An athletic trainer is a qualified individual who specializes in the prevention, and aid in the event of an emergency during a sport: they triage major issues, such as a broken bone, but also treat minor problems or injuries, like bruised knees or cut fingers. Thomas (Tom) Wolfsmith has worked as an athletic trainer for six years, and currently attends roughly 7-8 games a week, on average if not more. (The amount of games he attends differs depending on the season.)

“The only thing that changes from game to game is the preparation. Sports like football have a little more time needed for preparation. Most other sports have less of a time commitment before games,” Wolfsmith said.

Wolfsmith is one of two athletic trainers at West Chicago Community High School. Often, he works side-by-side with Sergio Quintanilla. The two share a passion for sports and science, which is how they got into the field.

Wolfsmith grasps a walkie-talkie while he observes a game of girls volleyball on their senior night. However, he also oversees sports such as basketball and football. He makes sure that everything is going according to plan and has medical equipment ready if needed. Wolfsmith ensures all of the supplies are in place before the game starts; if not, he can run back to the trainers’ office to pick-up reinforcements. 

At a girls’ basketball game, Wolfsmith bandages Elina Velasco’s finger. Being on the sidelines during these games allows him to be quick to take action, not only providing immediate care and insight regarding injuries for these athletes, but to get them back in their game quickly if possible.

In the case that athletes have a more severe injury, they can check-in with the athletic trainer on a daily basis. Whether athletes are worried about a sprain or bruise, or would like additional rest, being able to check in with Wolfsmith and/or Quintanilla provides assurance that their recovery process is going well. The hope is that the athlete will be able to attend their next practice or game without an issue.

During the girls’ volleyball senior night game, Wolfsmith poses for the camera while putting his hand in a rock-and-roll position. He rests his hand on the Gatorade water containers, all while making sure that athletes drink enough water throughout their time on the court.

“Staying hydrated and drinking water is essential to us. We need to have plenty of water in our system to keep our bodies functioning efficiently, on top of that electrolytes help our muscles function at their peak as well. Putting it simply, your body needs fuel, in the form of water, electrolytes, and food. With that fuel your body can perform at it’s best!” Wolfsmith said.

A component of Wolfsmith’s job is interacting with individuals, not just limited to athletes. Wolfsmith joins in on conversations as the beforementioned girls’ volleyball game is in progress, exchanging some smiles and laughing as they watched the Varsity team score point after point. Although Wolfsmith’s job is a serious one, he enjoys the competitive aspect of the games as well. 

“I’ve always been around sports my entire life and I have a love for medicine and science. So being an athletic trainer is the natural fit for me,” Wolfsmith said.

Wolfsmith rolls the cart of Gatorade and water, collecting and cleaning up from the volleyball game. After making sure they players are adequately hydrated and have enough to drink, the athletic trainers load the containers onto a 4’ cart for transport back to the trainers’ office.

After most games come to an end, Wolfsmith returns to the office, which is located next to the weight room. He emptied out the containers of Gatorade and water into a large, bath-tub-like sink in which athletes occasionally take ice baths. Then he arranges them back where they are supposed to go, on a series of shelves. 

At the end of the evening, the office is tidied up and sanitized, ready to greet a whole new host of athletes the next day.